LOCALS MOURN SA’S PROKID

MBABANE – The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. This was evident when after news of award-winning hip-hop artist Linda ‘ProKid’ Mkhize’s death circulated on social media, his fans, relatives and close acquaintances flooded social media timelines with memories they have of the late South African hip hop hit maker.

ProKid’s family confirmed the death through a media statement after an outpouring of tributes from fans and high-profile personalities emerged on social media in the early hours of last Thursday morning.

The legendary SA hip-hop artist, affectionately known as ‘ProKid of hip-hop’, passed away on Wednesday night according to TimesLive and ENCA. Family members who spoke with TimesLive, the rapper suffered a severe seizure attack while visiting friends and paramedics were called in to assist. They did their best to revive him to no avail and called his time of death at 8.38pm, August 8, 2018.

The statement went on to add that ProKid’s family has requested privacy as they try to process the tragedy.“Further details will be furnished as soon as his family has gathered.” ProKid, who was considered to be one of the pioneers of hip-hop in SA, will be remembered for his contribution to the industry and for hits such as ‘Ghetto Science’ and ‘Uthini Ngo Pro’.

Local artists who have had the privilege to work with the late artist expressed their heartfelt condolences to the music industry, also sharing snaps they took with the star during his many visits to the country.

“I am in shock and disbelief that one of the best lyricists to come out of South Africa is gone, I will forever be grateful for the lessons he shared with me as an artist in the industry and my heart bleeds for his family and friends,” said local artist Illa Penboy when reached for comment. A month before his untimely death, hip-hop veteran Linda “ProKid” Mkhize gave a show-stopping performance at the Basha Uhuru Music Festival in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. Little did fans know it would be one of Pro’s last major show.The rapper, who had been away from the spotlight for some time, had fans enthralled and screaming from the minute he came out for the performance. Prokid, who obviously loved performing in the country has featured in more than four shows locally where he was made the headline act for each and easily making locals fall in love with him. These shows include the Swazi Party which took place in 2015, HipNotik 2013, Hip Hop festival which took place in Malkerns in 2012 and the Pro Kid Show that took place at Café Mugambo back in 2012 and his latest show in the kingdom was a show he headlined at Déjà Vu Cocktail Lounge in May 2017 where he was hosted by Swaziboy Entertainment. ProKid is survived by his mother Fikile Mkhize, his father Zwelakhe Kheswa, his wife Ayanda, and his three-year-old daughter Nonkanyezi, his brothers, and extended family.